The UK’s economic growth and competitive edge depends on the ability of manufacturing sectors to harness the power of AI for cyber defence.
The UK manufacturing industry is in an ideal position to ride the wave of AI-driven digital transformation and reap the rewards. As we enter this new era, the seamless integration of AI into manufacturing leadership can help achieve major goals: optimize operations, minimize costs, prioritize sustainability, and respond to fluctuations and demand with agility and resilience.
However, no discussion about AI advancements should take place without addressing the current context. A context which is accompanied by increased risks, amplified by increasingly sophisticated technologies and the adoption of digital tools and cyberattacks. What are the consequences for the manufacturing sector?
The UK manufacturing sector has an impact on the UK economy and the stakes are high if this impact is not protected. 9.3% of total economic output AI accounts for 8.1% of employment in the country. This means that UK manufacturers that adopt AI to strengthen their cybersecurity programs also have the opportunity to increase their resilience, protect the economy and strengthen the UK as a leader in AI and cybersecurity.
A period of consistency and change
The fundamental goals of optimal manufacturing remain unchanged: manufacturers must adapt to the current market environment, review their existing technology investments, and quickly identify areas where they can minimize costs while maintaining production levels and sustainability commitments. But manufacturers are also operating in a changing industry amid political, economic, and technological uncertainty.
Rapid technological transformation is advancing and restructuring supply chains, making them more resilient. We can see this through the use of AI, IoT and data that enable the creation of smart factories. We can also see it through innovation and new real-time digital tools and products that are being developed.
Dynamic instability
This transformation occurs in an uncertain environment. Economic uncertainty, inflation, rising energy prices and labor shortages are disrupting businesses and forcing companies to change their business models. Political and geopolitical uncertainty is present in the run-up to the UK general election and other geopolitical fluctuations around the world are disrupting supply chains and reducing the visibility of manufacturing companies.
A major concern is cyber uncertainty, where manufacturing companies need to have the risk of commercial cyber attacks on their radar.
The power of AI to strengthen cybersecurity
As we see the increasing use of AI by manufacturing companies, we also see an increase in the risk of cyberattacks. What’s interesting is that AI is also a powerful technology that can enhance cybersecurity. Manufacturing companies are recognizing the benefits of AI tools, such as Microsoft Copilot for securityto gain a competitive advantage and strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. In the UK, it is a priority to increase the number of industrial businesses resilient to AI-related cyber threats. The country’s long-term growth and competitiveness depend on it.
What does cyber protection look like in manufacturing?
Cybersecurity must be a priority as cyber threats are expected. AI has the power to augment teams’ cybersecurity expertise, Microsoft Copilot for Security is tailor-made to address these challenges. AI can plan and simulate attack scenarios as well as detect cyber threats to prevent or minimize the likelihood of a cyber attack. AI can also put clear protocols in place in the event of an attack. If attacks do occur, AI enables teams to understand the scope and means of an attack so they can quickly respond and resolve a threat or minimize damage.
AI is integral to resilience across manufacturing
Manufacturing companies must make cybersecurity a core business priority and commit to adopting AI across supply chains to ensure long-term resilience. The application of AI in product improvement may already be obvious. AI-driven cost optimization, predictive maintenance, machine optimization, product optimization, and looping real-time production information back to design and engineering all make sense. Businesses must also focus their investments on cybersecurity to remain competitive and drive growth. As AI evolves rapidly, so does the sophistication of attacks. Manufacturing companies must stay abreast of the rapidly evolving AI and cybersecurity markets by leveraging knowledge sharing and focusing on advances in open source research, to collaboratively drive resilience in industry and the UK.
Moving into the future with sophisticated AI and cyber defenses
The UK manufacturing industry is unleashing innovation with the help of AI and maintaining what has always been a priority: reducing costs without sacrificing product quality and functionality. Furthermore, manufacturing optimisation is no longer just about reducing costs and product quality. We are now impacting business models around sustainability and carbon footprint, which has become a crucial factor influencing consumer choice that is reflected in manufacturing decisions.
AI is essential for lean, agile, automated and sustainable manufacturing with an empowered workforce. However, the security of your intellectual property, machines and data is crucial and must be protected. Tailored responses to these needs, such as Microsoft Copilot for Security, provide the right guidance to address some of the most pressing security challenges.
Learn more about how the manufacturing industry and your business can move into the future with the right cyber defenses by reading our latest research report.
